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Top 3 Reasons to Pursue Online Graduate Programs

There are many reasons a student may choose to pursue a graduate degree program online. Often times convenience and flexibility are factors that may influence the decision to select an online degree over a campus based program. But beyond the format decision, there are many other reasons students decide to continue their education.

According to the 2016 Online College Student Aslanian Market Research Report, the top 3 reasons are:

I want a new career in a new field (20% of respondents).

The satisfaction of completing my undergraduate/graduate education (15% of respondents).

I wanted to keep up to date with the skills and requirements of my current job (14% of respondents).

Accelerated programs - some schools offer accelerated programs where students are required to dedicate more time in a shorter window to graduate sooner. For example, our sponsored school, Northcentral Universityoffers an accelerated MBA that allows students to graduate in as little as 12 months

Bridge programs - some schools offer programs that combine earning multiple levels of degrees at once. When taken together, these degrees are earned faster than when taken separately. Many nursing programs are offered this way. For example an BSN to DNP. or an RN to MSN

Direct entry programs - Direct entry programs are also found in the nursing arena. For students who are looking to enter into a new career such as nursing and have an undergraduate degree in a different subject, there may be specialized programs that prepare the student for this transition.

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How Credible Are Online Degrees?

The first step in determining credibility for any school is to determine if the graduate school is accredited or not. Check to see if the online school is regionally accredited. Not all online schools are regionally accredited—though the vast majority are. Beyond the school being accredited, students should also research if their program of interest has specific programmatic accreditation. If the answer is yes, it is a good idea to lean toward those schools that have that specific graduate program accreditation.

Degrees earned from regionally accredited online schools are just as respected and accepted as degrees earned from traditional graduate schools.

Is Accreditation Important for Online Degrees?

Some online graduate schools are completely devoted to web-based learning and offer online graduate programs exclusively. Other universities may make their traditional programming available as an online graduate degree. Regardless of which type of school is offering the program you are interested in, it is important that you confirm that the school is regionally accredited. Why is accreditation important?

Among many reasons, two stand out as very important:

Funding:As a grad student, you will not be eligible for federal funding if the school you are attending is not an accredited online graduate school. Main types of financial aid include the Pell Grant, the Federal Perkins Loan, and Stafford Loans. For example, as a grad student, you may be eligible for up to $8,000 per year through the Federal Perkins Loan.

Quality of education:Accrediting agencies exist to ensure schools provide a quality education to students. Online Graduate Programs that are not accredited will not have the benefit of this oversight.The U.S. Department of Education recognizes several regional accrediting agencies, as well as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

GradSchools.com partners with only accredited schools so you can be comfortable searching our site for your online graduate degree.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 2016 Online College Student Aslanian Market Research Study reported that more than two-thirds of graduate students feel their online graduate program was worth the investment of their time (73%) and money (69%).

How Do I Choose an Online Graduate School?

With the variety of online graduate programs, there are a few features you might evaluate when choosing with online graduate school to attend. These are:

Decide how specialized you want to be. For example, you may want to keep your options open and simply pursue an MBA. Or, you may want to get more specific and pursue an MBA that focus' on Marketing or some other are of Business.

About half of psychologists had a master’s degree in 2013 but another one-third of these workers had a doctoral degree. Those with a doctoral degree had an average annual wage that was 46 percent higher than that of psychologists with a master’s degree.

Are All Online Graduate Programs Formatted the Same?

Online graduate programs are not all formatted the same way. A traditional graduate school may offer ‘live’ classes at one of their campuses that online students can ‘attend’ by logging in synchronously (at the same time) to be able to participate. Or, a completely online grad school may have asynchronous course material where students pace themselves. There could also be a mixture of these two formats. Ultimately, each university, whether it is a brick and mortar graduate school or an online graduate school, has different ways of formatting their online grad programs.

Online Graduate Programs FAQs

How online is the graduate program? Some programs may be entirely online (100%), while others may be partially online, which might entail campus visits, residency or intensives. (e.g. online MFT programs).

How long to complete an online degree?: Some online graduate degree programs may be full-time, others part-time. You might also find online graduate degrees that are offered in an accelerated format to appeal to executives (e.g. Accelerated online MBA programs).

What if there are lab requirements? In online grad programs where a laboratory or supervised practicum is required, students may be able to complete the requirements in their community (e.g. Online MSW programs).

What are the tech requirements for online programs?: Your computer is your access to online discussion, online resources (E-Books, video, your course management system and email). You may be required to update your software, meet specific hardware requirements or have a working email address. In terms of tech support, this should be stipulated by a graduate school and you should be able to access this information ahead of enrollment.

How do I contact my professor? There are usually provisions for contacting faculty. An online student may be paired with a faculty member, to reach out via email, telephone, online chat or whatever is predetermined by your university and program.

Where is the library? An online graduate school may have agreements with your local library or have online resources. Some programs may supplement with textbooks.

Is an online graduate degree easier? Online does not mean easier. It is a learning format that works best for self-motivated students.

Are online graduate programs accredited? Many online graduate programs are accredited but some are not. All GradSchools.com partner schools are accredited but it is always a good idea to research on your own and double check. For those earning a degree from a lesser-known online school, researching accreditation is especially a good idea given the number of scams on the internet.

Wentworth Institute of Technology

The Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) is designed for working professionals who want to advance their technical skills while learning the most up-to-date and innovative management strategies.

The Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) program is designed for working professionals who wish to advance their career through post-graduate study in construction management principles.

The Master of Science in Facility Management (MSFM) program is designed for working professionals who wish to advance their career by strengthening their skills and knowledge of facility management principles.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University's online Master of Science in Cybersecurity is here for you to build on your technology expertise and cultivate crucial leadership skills to help you direct organizations in preventing cyber-attacks.

The online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota will help you become a leader or administrator in early childhood, K-12, higher education, or a corporate training environment.

To enhance the learning experience at Saint Mary's University, all online master's students will receive an iPad®* complete with the Saint Mary's learning platform and productivity apps to use during the duration of their program.

Master your use of big data, presentation, and business to explain the relationship between organizational problems and strategizing successful solutions. Affordable, convenient, and quick, the M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics prepare...

This program combines government and nonprofit perspectives for a comprehensive outlook and broad-based training in public administration. Affordable and convenient, it prepares students to act as authentic and ethical leaders in a challenging public...

Put your passion to work. Learn from real-world practitioners who share the same drive for social and human change as you. Blend theory with practical knowledge to focus your skills on greater humanitarian results.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's affordable Online Accelerated MBA program can be completed in 18 months or less. The curriculum focuses on real-world issues and gives students a learning experience that is immediately applicable.

Saint Mary's mission of serving the underserved and improving well-being comes to life in our Master of Public Health program. This two-year, 100 percent online degree prepares you for success as a public health practitioner.

Sacred Heart University

Move up to a leadership role with a sought-after credential. Offering four specializations in Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Move up to a leadership role with a sought-after credential. Offering four specializations in Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Move up to a leadership role with a sought-after credential. Offering four specializations in Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

The online Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offered by Sacred Heart University infuses practice-focused doctoral education with innovation and practical clinical research and scholarship.

Take your practice to the next level, without compromising your schedule,with SHU's online MSW in Clinical Practice program. You could strengthen your ability to assess and assist your clients,while preparing for the Licensed Master of Social Work exam...

Are you ready to be a force of positive change in your community and your life? Earn your MSW degree in Community Practice online. You could prepare to take on leadership roles, better meet the needs of vulnerable populations and sit for the LMSW exam.

Move up to a leadership role with a sought-after credential. Offering four specializations in Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Purdue University

Purdue University Calumet is one of five campuses that make up the Purdue University system.The online MSEd in Special Education program sees the entire education landscape and combines practical experience with the latest breakthroughs...

Purdue University's online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) is a business-focused hospitality degree designed to help managers with HTM industry experience rise to new levels.

Earn your online Master of Science in Communication from a pioneer in modern media. Purdue University's Brian Lamb (Founder of C-SPAN) School of Communication gives you industry-leading insight, integrity, and expertise.

Purdue's, CEPH accredited online MPH pulls from the University's research expertise to present a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to design and implement effective public health programs in a changing world.

Educational Technology Concentration: Integrate technology into curriculum and the classroom while preparing professionals from K-12 and related environments to improve students’ learning experience, technology skills, and a leadership role involving tech...

Provide high-quality language and content-area instruction for students learning English as an additional language in the U.S. (one of the fastest-growing and most diverse populations in the U.S.) and around the world.

The online MSET program helps working professionals develop deep technical knowledge, while enhancing management skills. Explore advances in technology systems to prepare to become an agile leader and create practical solutions in a variety of field.

Benedictine's online MBA degree program prepares you to successfully lead organizations through the challenges of 21st century business management, including global issues, evolving technology and a diverse workforce.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational LeadershipTransform as an educational leader in as few as three years with Benedictine University's rigorous online Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership program.

The Doctor of Business Adminstration degree with a specialization in Management of Engineering and Technology focuses on development and management of information systems, data, telecommunication systems, and Local Area Network (LAN) / Wide Area Netw...

Pursue your interest in business and psychology by enrolling in the DBA - Industrial/Organizational Psychology specialization. Conduct research and explore the practical applications of IO psychology to the understanding of people in the world of work.

The Education Specialist degree with a specialization in E-Learning will train you as a specialist who has the ability to integrate curriculum development, instructional design and course delivery using technology and online learning management syste...

Prepare for research and fieldwork with the online PhD-PSY in Industrial Organizational Psychology program. Explore theories and applications of psychology as they relate to human behavior in organizations, with flexible courses to fit your schedule.

Involvement with the military can have incredible highs and unimaginable lows, both for the one in the military and for their family. The Therapy with Military Families Specialization is designed to prepare you to work primarily with individuals, cou...

The Education Specialist degree with a specialization in Leadership in Higher Education digs deep into a variety of topics specific to higher education, and will familiarize you with how higher education is organized, how it is financed, legal issues...

NCU’s Doctor of Education (EdD) with a specialization in Learning Analytics K-12 will prepare you to improve the K-12 academic experience and its results in primary, intermediate and secondary educational systems. This program emphasizes identi...

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program in Mental Health Policy and Practice at Northcentral University will help you develop a deeper understanding of mental health through an evidence-based practice approach.

Delivering a diverse skill set with a global perspective, George Mason's online MBA gives students the credentials and confidence to assume critical leadership roles in business, government, and public institutions worldwide. Courses are availabl...

George Mason University's online Master's Degree in Special Education, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis equips students to identify, address, and overcome complex learning challenges to influence the educational potential for people...

Gain the deep statistical knowledge and technical savviness you need to advance to data scientist, engineer and analyst roles. You'll learn to deliver a process that transforms raw data and place it into a decision-making context.

Delivering a diverse skill set with a global perspective, George Mason's online MBA gives students the credentials and confidence to assume critical leadership roles in business, government, and public institutions worldwide. Courses are availabl...

Online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational PsychologyGeorge Mason’s online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology delivers the research-back add methods and understanding of d...

Public health nursing is a specialty practice that focuses on population health in an effort to prevent disease and disability and promote wellness. Public health nurses define, assess and help create solutions to current public health concerns.

The Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or other related fields. The program is intended to meet the needs of adult learners who already posses a bachelor’s degree...

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary provides this youth ministry degree program for ministers, assistant pastors, family ministers or para-church leaders who have passion for discipleship at every stage of human development.

Currently licensed and certified teachers who earn a master's degree in TESOL can advance toward teaching English to students from other countries and cultures. The regionally accredited online master's degree in TESOL is aligned with the Int...

Licensed K-12 educators can build and implement curricula to become instructional leaders at the classroom, school, district or state level. The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree includes coursework, research and in-classroom field...

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in Special Education (ITL) program is designed for education professionals with a passion to work with K–12 children who have mild to moderate disabilities; graduates of this program may seek initial teaching...

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in School Counseling (IL) degree program prepares individuals with a bachelor’s degree to pursue a career as a school guidance counselor and seek certification.

Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Education prepares students for teaching undergraduate courses at the 2-year or 4-year institution in both ground and online modalities.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Education degree program provides students who have a passion for communications with the opportunity to pursue a career in teaching.

In a crucially relevant sphere of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a growing demand for special education services and higher graduation standards intersect in public schools across the nation. As the field of diagnosis in spectrum disorders continue...

As the focus shifts toward college and career readiness standards in high schools across the country, educational success in the classroom reflects on the depth of instruction within the regulatory framework. With a focus on literacy coaches and read...

Winthrop's CSWE-accredited, online MSW program offers an empowerment focused curriculum designed to prepare you to improve lives and communities as a specialized social worker. 60 credit Traditional and 39 credit Advanced Standing options are available.

Winthrop University's online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Sports Marketing & Revenue Generation will teach you new strategies to grow sports' programs at all levels — nonprofit, intercollegiate and professional.

Winthrop University's Master of Arts in Arts Administration combines current theory, academic research and applied practice to develop effective leaders who can work with skill, creative initiative and integrity in nonprofit arts environments.

Winthrop University's online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Marketing explores topics including global competitiveness, e-commerce,business plan writing,buyer behavior, marketing research and other marketing topics...

Winthrop University's M.Ed. in Special Education Intervention program prepares licensed teachers to build, lead and participate in intervention programs that build self-confidence in students through a near-seamless connection.

Arkansas State University

The Arkansas State University Master of Science in Education in Reading can boost your career while providing skills and techniques to improve the literacy of your students, including the diagnosis and remediation of reading problems.

The Education Specialist degree in Gifted and Talented Director is designed to provide educators with a deeper understanding and increased proficiency of the unique needs of gifted and talented students.

The purpose of the Master of Science in Education (MSE) for Special Education - Instructional Specialist K-12 is to offer educators a graduate-level program of study based on the recommendations of professional organizations and accrediting associations s...

Arkansas State University’s Master of Science in Education in Gifted, Talented, and Creative (GTC) offers educators a planned program at the graduate-level degree program which is based on recommendations of professional organizations and accrediting asso...

Arkansas State University offers an affordable online Education Specialist program in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education for special education teachers who possess a master's degree.

The Ed.S. Education Degree Specialist in Superintendency program is designed to provide study beyond the master’s degree to improve educators’ general educational and specific professional competencies as leaders in the public school systems.

Arkansas State University offers an affordable online Educational Specialist program in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction to prepare educators or administrators who possess a master's degree for a campus Each c...

The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Early Childhood Education online program focuses on the developmental and educational needs of young children and is designed for educators who already hold a teaching license.

Arkansas State University offers an affordable online Educational Specialist program in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction to prepare educators or administrators who possess a master's degree for a campus or district cur...

Southern Oregon University

The Master of Business Administration General online program is designed to give you a broad knowledge base in all the major functions and practices of a business (accounting, marketing, finance, operations management, organizational behavior, economics,...

The Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing online program is designed to equip you with a solid foundation of business management skills with real-world marketing applications for use across the business spectrum, with an emph...

The Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting online program equips you with a broad range of skills for career advancement into roles as a corporate accountant, accounting consultant, senior auditor, financial or budget analyst...

The Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Business Analytics online program supplements a broad range of essential business knowledge with hands-on analytical skills to prepare you to become a data-savvy business leader or data analyst...

The University of Scranton

With the online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) from The University of Scranton, you will make informed, data-driven healthcare decisions that keep a person’s health at the center of his or her care. Focused on developing an inte...

A modern education that provides a deep focus on hard-to-find financial skills. You'll study a curriculum rooted to the rigor of the Jesuit tradition. Prepare to lead: your career, your team, your company, in just 1 year.

Choose the online MS in Human Resources Management that integrates current research and best practices to support organizational goals. Earn your SHRM-aligned HR degree from a highly ranked university without interrupting your career.

St. John's University

Online MPH from St. John's University prepares you to become a community health leader. You will learn to plan, implement and evaluate projects and interventions; acquire valuable real-world experience with expert faculty and fieldwork.

What They’re Known For Based in New York City, St. John’s University is a diverse academic community with a globally focused curriculum.The Tobin College of Businessgives students the opportunity to learn from top...

The online M.S. L.I.S. gives you the knowledge to analyze, evaluate and organize information effectively to enhance information delivery and become an information specialist in the industry and area of your choice.

The online Master of Science in Library and Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.) gives you the knowledge to analyze, evaluate and organize information effectively to enhance information delivery and become an information specialist in the industry and a...

What They’re Known For Founded in 1870, St. John’s is a Catholic Vincentian University that prepares students for personal and professional success in today’s global society. St. John’s is committed&...

What They’re Known For Founded in 1870, St. John’s is a Catholic Vincentian University that prepares students for personal and professional success in today’s global society. St. John’s is committed...

What They’re Known For Founded in 1870, St. John’s is a Catholic Vincentian University that prepares students for personal and professional success in today’s global society. St. John’s is committed...

What They’re Known For Based in New York City, St. John’s University (SJU) is a diverse academic community with a globally focused curriculum.Founded in 1870, The Tobin College of Business offers top-ranked prog...

Brandeis University

Brandeis GPS degrees are for students currently working and seeking to advance their careers. We take a holistic approach toward evaluating applicants, looking at work experience, references and goals. GMATs or GREs not required for admission...

Brandeis GPS degrees are for students currently working and seeking to advance their careers. We take a holistic approach toward evaluating applicants, looking at work experience, references and goals. GMATs or GREs not required for admission.

Brandeis GPS degrees are for students currently working and seeking to advance their careers. We take a holistic approach toward evaluating applicants, looking at work experience, references and goals. GMATs or GREs not required for admission...

Utica College

The online Master of Science in Financial Crime and Compliance Management provides professional education to individuals who desire to advance their expertise in managing corporate and technological resources to combat financial crime.

The online Master of Professional Studies in Cyber Policy and Risk Analysis prepares cybersecurity and policy decision makers in industry and government to understand and implement responsible oversight of cybersecurity policy and practice.

The Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program prepares students to become agents of change at the forefront of women’s health care. The program includes a clinical sequence carefully arranged by Georgetown faculty at a cli...

The AG-ACNP/CNS Program prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical experts and exceptional caregivers in diverse, high acuity settings. In support of our long-standing commitment to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—t...

Georgetown University presents the Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate in an online format. providing a flexible path for future industry leaders to advance their knowledge and accelerate their careers.

James Madison University

Earn your Masters in Information Security online at JMU, one of the original 7 National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense. The comprehensive 33 credit program is highly technical, highly interactive and 100% online.

Customize your online MS in Computer Science degree with a concentration in Cyber Security. Learn how to identify, monitor and investigate organizational cyber-threats, as well as how to recommend steps and create responses to combat them.

Focusing on the human side of leadership, the MA in Organizational Leadership program at Lewis University offers 5 unique concentrations that examine organizational change, behavior and in-depth management.

Customize your online M.A. in Organizational Leadership degree with a concentration in Training and Development.This concentration focuses on the most effective practices for teaching professional from diverse backgrounds and with varying learning styles.

Customize your online MA in Organizational Leadership degree with a concentration in Professional and Executive Coaching. With curriculum accredited by the ICF, gain the vital skills needed to enable others to become influential leaders.

Customize your online MA in Organizational Leadership degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. This concentration is tailored to offer training in people-focused strategies, tools and skills as well as how to apply them to nonprofits.

Customize your online MA in Organizational Leadership degree with a concentration in Higher Education-Student Services. This interdisciplinary program combines a keen understanding of human behavior with leadership techniques.

Customize your online MA in Organizational Leadership degree with a concentration in Organizational Management. This people-centric concentration will provide you with the management tools, leadership skills and understanding of human behavior.

Our Lady of the Lake University

As one of only three MSW programs focused on the Hispanic population, OLLU's CSWE accredited, online Master of Social Work program offers busy adults the unique opportunity to prepare to serve this fast growing demographic at all stages of life.

The online MBA at Our Lady of the Lake University offers a rigorous curriculum that incorporates personal attention from our faculty, instruction in the practical applications of business theory and strategy and a progressive approach...

The online MBA at Our Lady of the Lake University offers a rigorous curriculum that incorporates personal attention from our faculty, instruction in the practical applications of business theory and strategy, and a progressive approach.

The George Washington University

The George Washington University's Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration is a specialized degree that prepares students to lead and promote high-quality student achievement at a district, sub-district or school-wide level...

The program is nationally recognized by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and leads to certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and special education (SPED).

The Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning program is an innovative, academically rigorous skills-based program that prepares the next generation of professionals for broad career opportunities in diverse work settings such as publi...

The Master of Science in Health Sciences in Laboratory Medicine program is a 52 credit program designed to prepare individuals for a career as a medical laboratory scientist and for the national Medical Laboratory Sciences certification exam.

The George Washington University two-year online Healthcare MBA is immersed in values, rigorous in theory, and experiential in practice and is based on the concepts of ethics, global business, and leadership. Designed for working professionals, y...

The George Washington University's (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers two online programs in Regulatory Affairs: a Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS), and a Graduate Certificate.

Queens University of Charlotte's online Master of Health Administration offers an applied curriculum built on universal business practices and principled leadership translated to the healthcare environment.

Queens University of Charlotte's top-ranked, AACSB-accredited Flexible MBA arms you with an in-depth understanding of core business concepts, so you can envision, plan, and implement initiatives throughout all aspects of business.

Queens University of Charlotte's top-ranked, AACSB-accredited Flexible MBA arms you with an in-depth understanding of core business concepts, so you can envision, plan, and implement initiatives throughout all aspects of business.

The online Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management (MSSHRM) at Saint Joseph’s University is designed for students to obtain competence in the HR field, gain experience in organizational development and learn to help their busin...

Designed for professionals who want to lead change, the online MODL at SJU uses experiential learning to explore Gestalt coaching methods and leadership techniques applicable to your career today. Work and still earn your degree in as little as two years.

The online MS in Secondary Education and Online Accelerated Teaching Certification program is an efficient, convenient and cost effective way to get the skills and credentials you need to accomplish your career goal in educating grades 7-12.

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EducationDynamics maintains business relationships with the schools it features.